Satcom 1 [RCA]
Satcom 1, 2, 3, 3R and 4 were the first generation of geostationary comsats built for RCA Americom.
These satellites were built by RCA Astro using their three-axis stabilized AS-3000 bus, which became the base for several other comsats too. They featured a 24 C-band transponder communications payload. The antenna featured four gridded overlapping reflectors.
The satellites required the development of a more powereful version of the Delta launch vehicle, the Delta-3914, which was partially financed by RCA.
Satcom 1 was launched on launched 13 December 1975. It was replaced in summer 1983 by Satcom 1R and was finally put in a graveyard orbit in June 1984 and turned off.
Satcom 2 followed on 26 March 1976. It was replaced in fall of 1983 by Satcom 2R and then was turned off and moved above synchronous orbit.
Satcom 3 was successfully launched on 7 December 1979, but the satelite was lost, when the apogee engine was fired.
Satcom 3R was orbited on 19 November 1981 as a replacement for Satcom 3. It operated a 131° West.
Satcom 4 was launched on 15 January 1982 and placed on the 82° West position.
This series was succeeded by the advanced Satcom series.
Nation: | USA |
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Type / Application: | Communication |
Operator: | RCA Americom |
Contractors: | RCA Astro |
Equipment: | 24 C-band transponders |
Configuration: | AS-3000 |
Propulsion: | SVM-7 (#1, 2, 3); Star-30B (3R, 4) |
Power: | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
Lifetime: | 7 years (#1, 2); 8 years (#3, 3R, 4) |
Mass: | 868 kg, 465 kg (BOL) (#1, 2) |
Orbit: | GEO |
Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Satcom 1 | 1975-117A | 13.12.1975 | CC LC-17A | Delta-3914 | ||
Satcom 2 | 1976-029A | 26.03.1976 | CC LC-17A | Delta-3914 | ||
Satcom 3 | 1979-101A | 07.12.1979 | CC LC-17A | Delta-3914 | ||
Satcom 3R | 1981-114A | 20.11.1981 | CC LC-17A | Delta-3910 PAM-D | ||
Satcom 4 | 1982-004A | 16.01.1982 | CC LC-17A | Delta-3910 PAM-D |